To qualify for Tree City USA, a
town or city must meet four standards established by The National Arbor
Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters.

These
standards were established to ensure that every qualifying community
would have a viable tree management plan and program. It is important to
note that they were also designed so that no community would be
excluded because of size.

To qualify for Tree City USA, a town or city must meet four standards
established by The National Arbor Day Foundation and the National
Association of State Foresters.

These standards were established to
ensure that every qualifying community would have a viable tree
management plan and program.

It is important to note that they were also designed so that no community would be excluded because of size

A Tree Board or Department

A Tree Care Ordinance

A Community Forestry Program With an Annual Budget of at Least $2 Per Capita

An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation

1. A Tree Board or Department

Someone must be legally responsible for
the care and management of the community's trees. This may be a
professional forester or arborist, an entire forestry department, or a
volunteer tree board. Often, both a professional staff and advisory tree
board is present, which is a good goal for most communities. A tree
board, or commission, is a group of concerned volunteer citizens charged
by ordinance with developing and administering a comprehensive tree
management program. Balanced, broad-based community involvement is
encouraged. Boards function best if not composed entirely of
tree-related professionals such as forestry professors, nursery
operators, arborists, etc. Fresh ideas and different perspectives are
added by citizens with an interest in trees that is entirely
avocational. Limited, staggered terms of service will prevent stagnation
or burnout, while at the same time assuring continuity.

2. A Tree Care Ordinance

The tree ordinance must designate the
establishment of a tree board or forestry department and give this body
the responsibility for writing and implementing an annual community
forestry work plan. Beyond that, the ordinance should be flexible enough
to fit the needs and circumstances of the particular community. A tree
ordinance provides an opportunity to set good policy and back it with
the force of law when necessary. Ideally, it will provide clear guidance
for planting, maintaining and removing trees from streets, parks and
other public places. For tips and a checklist of important items to
consider in writing or improving a tree ordinance, see Bulletin No. 9.

3. A Community Forestry Program with an Annual Budget of At Least $2 Per Capita

Evidence is required that the community
has established a community forestry program that is supported by an
annual budget of at least $2 per capita. At first, this may seem like an
impossible barrier to some communities. However, a little investigation
usually reveals that more than this amount is already being spent by
the municipality on its trees. If not, this may signal serious neglect
that will cost far more in the long run. In such a case, working toward
Tree City USA recognition can be used to re-examine the community's
budget priorities and re-direct funds to properly care for its tree
resource before it is too late. Ideally, this standard will be met by
focusing funding on an annual work plan developed after an inventory is
completed and a report is approved by the city council. Such a plan will
address species diversity, planting needs, hazardous trees, insect and
disease problems and a pattern of regular care such as pruning and
watering.

4. An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation

This is the least challenging and
probably the most enjoyable standard to accomplish. An Arbor Day
celebration can be simple and brief or an all-day or all-week
observation. It can be a simple tree planting event or an award ceremony
that honors leading tree planters. For children, Arbor Day may be their
only exposure to the green world or a springboard to discussions about
the complex issue of environmental quality. The benefits of Arbor Day go
far beyond the shade and beauty of new trees for the next generation.
Arbor Day is a golden opportunity for publicity and to educate
homeowners about proper tree care. Utility companies can join in to
promote planting small trees beneath power lines or being careful when
digging. Smokey Bear's fire prevention messages can be worked into the
event, as can conservation education about soil erosion or the need to
protect wildlife habitat. Still another way to develop Arbor Day is to
link it with a tree-related festival. Some that are currently celebrated
include dogwood festivals, locust blossom festivals and Macon,
Georgia's Cherry Blossom Festival that annually brings more than $4.25
million into the local economy. In meeting the four standards, help is
available! The urban and community forestry coordinator in your state
forester's office will be happy to work with communities in taking these
first steps toward better community forestry.

The Tree City USA Growth Award

The Tree City USA
Growth Award is provided by The National Arbor Day Foundation, in
cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the
USDA Forest Service, to recognize environmental improvement and
encourage higher levels of tree care throughout America. This award is
designed not only to recognize achievement, but also to communicate new
ideas and help the leaders of all Tree City USAs plan for improving
community tree care.